The Zhongyuan Great Buddha Scenic Area is located in Shangtang Village, Zhaocun Township, Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The centerpiece is the 208-meter-tall Zhongyuan Great Buddha, consisting of a 108-meter Buddha statue, 20-meter lotus throne, 25-meter diamond throne, and 55-meter Sumeru throne. Cast in bronze with 3,300 tons of copper, 108 kg of gold, and 15,000 tons of special steel, it's currently the world's tallest Buddhist statue. The scenic area covers 11,700 mu (about 1,950 acres) and includes the Great Buddha area, Foquan Temple, Wish Platform, and Bliss-Wisdom Avenue.
History and Culture
Construction of the Zhongyuan Great Buddha began in 1997, designed by renowned architect C.Y. Lee, and was consecrated on September 29, 2008. The 12-year project cost 1.2 billion yuan.
Foquan Temple within the scenic area dates back to the Tang Dynasty (over 1,300 years old) and is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. It preserves ancient ginkgo trees and stone tablets from various dynasties.
The Great Buddha faces east, holding a Dharma wheel in its left hand and making the fear-not mudra with its right, symbolizing boundless Buddhist compassion to save all beings.
Main Attractions
Zhongyuan Great Buddha
Standing 208 meters tall (equivalent to a 50-story building), the bronze statue is gilded with gold leaf that glitters in sunlight. An interior elevator takes visitors to the lotus throne observation deck for panoramic views.
Foquan Temple
Dating to the Tang Zhenguan period, the temple is named after its millennium-old spring ("Fo Quan" means "Buddha Spring"). Current structures include the mountain gate, Heavenly King Hall, and Mahavira Hall. The annual Buddha Bathing Festival is held here on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month.
Wish Platform
This 10,000-square-meter granite platform before the Buddha can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. Its 108 prayer wheels symbolize overcoming 108 earthly desires.
Bliss-Wisdom Avenue
The 2.5-km-long, 60-m-wide avenue connects the entrance to the Buddha, lined with 500 Arhat statues and 12 Chinese zodiac guardian deity statues.
Bell and Drum Towers
The 38-meter-tall towers house the 116-ton "Century Auspicious Bell," the world's largest externally struck bronze bell whose sound carries 10 km.
Cuisine
Lushan Stewed Pot Dish
A local specialty combining pork, tofu, vermicelli and other ingredients stewed in an iron pot, available at many scenic area restaurants.
Yaoshan Wild Mushrooms
Local delicacies including matsutake and boletus mushrooms, prepared stir-fried or in soups.
Vegetarian Food
Foquan Temple's vegetarian restaurant serves exquisite Buddhist cuisine using local organic vegetables and wild ingredients.
Surrounding Cuisine
The nearby Shangtang Hot Spring resort area offers Henan specialties like mutton offal soup and sesame leaf noodles.
Ticket Information
Admission is 120 yuan (includes Great Buddha area and Foquan Temple). Students and seniors get half-price (60 yuan) with valid ID. Children under 1.2m free. Electric cart tickets cost extra (20 yuan one-way).
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 8:00-17:30 (peak season April-October), 8:30-17:00 (off-season November-March). Foquan Temple closes earlier at 16:30. Allow 3-4 hours for visit.
Recommended Tour Route
Main entrance → Electric cart to Bliss-Wisdom Avenue → 500 Arhat statues → Wish Platform → Great Buddha → Elevator to lotus throne → Foquan Temple → Bell and Drum Towers → Return (3-4 hours total).
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Zheng-Yao Expressway to Yaoshan exit, then 15km following signs
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from downtown Pingdingshan
- High-speed rail: To Pingdingshan West Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle (~1.5 hours)
- Air: Nearest airport is Luoyang Beijiao (~2.5 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Zhongyuan Great Buddha: World's tallest Buddhist statue with observation deck
- Foquan Temple: Millennium-old temple complex
- Wish Platform: Main worship area with 108 prayer wheels
- Century Auspicious Bell: World's largest externally struck bronze bell
- Bliss-Wisdom Avenue: Impressive 500 Arhat statues
Travel Tips
- Visit in morning for best lighting
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Observe Buddhist etiquette (quiet demeanor)
- Learn about Buddhism beforehand to enhance experience
- Bring sun protection in summer
- Combine with nearby Yaoshan and hot springs for 2-day trip
Precautions
- Dress modestly (no revealing clothing)
- Do not touch statues or relics
- No smoking, alcohol, or meat in temple areas
- Follow all safety rules (no climbing barriers)
- Secure personal belongings
- Observe Buddhist ceremonies quietly